Say It With Symbols

Inspired by the iconic code painted on boxcars and train stations or carved on fence posts by traveling hobos during the Great Depression, Micki Whelan created a set of pendants designed to communicate a powerful message to all those you’ll encounter as you make your own trek though life. Carved in wax then cast in sterling silver, the front of these pendants comes in your choice of four messages, and the back features a triangular symbol representing faith, hope and love. Whether given to convey feelings or worn as a personal talisman, each of these wearable sentiments has an incredible history and is sure to resonate with the wearer. Handmade in Rhode Island.

Unfortunately, this item cannot ship outside of the United States at this time.

details

Community Voted

Item ID

22040

Made from

sterling silver,
waxed cotton

Measurements

Pendant : .7" L x .8" W; 1 oz. Waxed cotton cord: 18" L.

the maker

Micki Whelan

Micki Whelan has been working with metal for more than 25 years. A student of the Rhode Island School of Design, Whelan is influenced by clean and simple organic lines and shapes, as well as negative space. "My latest work takes me full circle, back to a few basic tools: my trusty rolling mill, round silver wire, and my two hands. It is heavily influenced by my Scandinavian heritage, where clean lines, unadorned design, and understatement are revered."

Whelan finds inspiration at her husband's greenhouse. She first sketches her designs of the plants and vegetation that surround her, as well as a few designs she creates herself. Then, Whelan translates each sketch by hand into sterling silver.

Q and A

When our community voted on this product, some also shared comments - read them below:

603votes, 127 comments

Cassie, UncommonGoods Community Moderator

We love Micki Whelan's reminders to enjoy the travel through life. Which symbol is your favorite?

CelesteVote: Thumbs down!

I just feel it's a bit of a disconnect to sell hobo symbols for $68.

Christine Vote: Thumbs down!

now I see why they have symbols couldn't afford the jewelery, plus I would probably have to stop and explain it to someone

DeidreVote: Thumbs down!

Love the idea, but I would probably not pay the price.

ChristineVote: Thumbs up!

Like the idea and the fact that it's made in the US, but am wondering how many people would be willing to pay this price.

RebeccaVote: Thumbs down!

I like the concept, but the process seems anti-hobo...

MeghanVote: Thumbs up!

I like jewelry with a positive message, even if it isn't obvious to all. The price point is a bit high though.

PatriciaVote: Thumbs up!

I like these, and I like the idea of having a meaning be it personal or traditional. But I think the price point is just a little high.

LianeVote: Thumbs down!

$68.00? Ouch!!!

sharriVote: Thumbs down!

Cute, but to expensive.

Michelle

these are very cool ...please carry these!

MaryVote: Thumbs up!

Cute, but price seems a bit high!

maeganVote: Thumbs down!

$68? too much! wayyy too much. The story is great but no one will know it and the meaning of each one...

YvonneVote: Thumbs down!

$68 for a pice of silver with a childlike scrawl on them - no way. Not even attractive.

JulieVote: Thumbs down!

everything great but the price

DavidVote: Thumbs up!

They are cute, interesting concept, sterling silver and made in the US. Although the price is high, I think there are enough people out there willing to pay the price.

CaitlinVote: Thumbs up!

But too expensive

MichaelVote: Thumbs up!

Trendy, yet, not so stylish- but can be worn with the right outfit.

NormaVote: Thumbs down!

Cute, but too expensive. Do hobos still use these symbols. I thought they used them in the 30's,

sharonVote: Thumbs down!

Cute but too expensive.

CathyVote: Thumbs down!

not connecting with the symbols as well

VickiVote: Thumbs down!

Not nearly cool enough to be a hit.

MasseeVote: Thumbs up!

You'll get all 4 for $68, right? Much too much for 'each' pricing.

MichelleVote: Thumbs up!

Nice gift item. great they are made in USA!!

HeatherVote: Thumbs down!

I understand that they are hand-made and that carries a (well-deserved) premium. However, I think they are way too expensive for a charm on a cotton necklace.

LaurenVote: Thumbs down!

Way too expensive; doesn't fit in the the "hobo" theme at all.

EricaVote: Thumbs down!

I do love the idea of these...but I doubt I'd buy them for the price.

TeriVote: Thumbs up!

Cool product, but the price seems too high.

LaneyVote: Thumbs down!

Would buy if less expensive.

gwendaVote: Thumbs up!

Cute idea but the price is too high.

SandiVote: Thumbs up!

Love them, Priced a little high tho.

Karen Vote: Thumbs down!

Not a fan of this use of the symbols. How about the same symbols on a plaque (ceramic? metal?) that could be used on entry doors or fences/gates instead?

JaclynVote: Thumbs down!

I actually reeeeeeeeally like this necklace. I love the string it's on, and the pendants are wonderful. If the price was closer to the $30-to-$40 range, I'd think it'd be perfect.

BarbaraVote: Thumbs down!

Just way too expensive!

AlexandriaVote: Thumbs up!

Too pricey.

YaninaVote: Thumbs down!

Too hard to explain to someone and too expensive!

Cassie, UncommonGoods Community Moderator

Thanks for the question, Massee! The price is for each pendant. The price point being considered factors in the time and effort required by the artist, Micki Whelan, who makes these casts these charms and assembles each necklace by hand, as well as the cost of sterling silver. Each necklace includes a sterling silver pendant and clasp, containing a total of .25 ounces of sterling silver.

DawnVote: Thumbs down!

kinda looks like a crazy cat lady would wear this...:(

RobinVote: Thumbs down!

These are cute but should be done in a less expensive metal.

LaurenVote: Thumbs up!

love the story behind them

kyle

I love these. I've recently learned about hobo symbology and it's fascinating. What a perfect combination - really cool look with a story to go with it. Trult unique.

SHARON WVote: Thumbs up!

I've always liked these symbols. Are they still used? A piece of history. But, too pricey.

JenniferVote: Thumbs up!

I really like these, and it's great that they are made here in the US. I'm not sure I would pay $68 for one, though.

AmyVote: Thumbs up!

I think $68 is a bit pricy though

HeidiVote: Thumbs down!

seems a bit much for Hobo symbol, bottle cap would be cuter

LeslieVote: Thumbs up!

I really like the idea, and the symbols are great, but the price is awful - especially for hobo symbols

DorothyVote: Thumbs up!

Intriguing language of the rails.

JoiceVote: Thumbs up!

Will the carvings every come in color..

alenaVote: Thumbs down!

way too expensive. you would have to explain to people what it means and then it just makes you sound like a wanna be hobo.

AnneVote: Thumbs down!

They look very cheap

Carol LeeVote: Thumbs down!

Like story and design. Price too high-

MistyVote: Thumbs down!

I think they're cute, but expensive for a symbol I'd have to explain. I think people would assume it was something picked up at a Native American shop at a much cheaper price point.

KatieVote: Thumbs down!

How about things that are uplifting and not things that are voodoo-ish? Or at least not things that are so pagan??Thanks for asking!

JulienneVote: Thumbs down!

The price is way too high and I feel like silver is not a good material to represent the "message." How about wood or upcycled glass?

amandaVote: Thumbs up!

I love the idea and they are really cute, but way to expensive!

ClaudiaVote: Thumbs up!

I agree that this is really cute, but the price point is very steep. Did you guys hear that our economy is not really in recovery yet????

JudyVote: Thumbs up!

So would buy it!

SLVote: Thumbs up!

I have a hobo sign on my front door and love all of the positive comments. It would be great to have it in another form!

Margaret

I like the necklace, but wouldn't pay that price.

HeatherVote: Thumbs up!

I like them - but $68 for a set of four is more like it...

gypsyVote: Thumbs up!

really is a cute concept, nicely done, and if shared with history attached offers some meaning

CeceliaVote: Thumbs down!

Looks sweet, but too expensive.

lynn

I usually love everything you guys come up with but no way on this one! I have no problem spendng this amount for fun and unique jewelry, but I would expect $5-$10 for something like this. But great idea, I think I'll have my 6 yr old make one for me. :)

PaulaVote: Thumbs down!

Cute item but I would not spend more than $30 for this item.

MelissaVote: Thumbs up!

i love the necklace, but the price is way too high.

Jan

Way overpriced and the designs are almost too simple and primitive, like kindergarten art.

ClaraVote: Thumbs down!

Love the charms - hate the price. Would definitely buy at a lower price.

GailVote: Thumbs up!

I like the idea and the look. I do think the price should be re-thought. 68 is too high for the common look of this necklace. 35 sounds better and may bring more of a market.

MelissaVote: Thumbs down!

Really neat piece, love that it was made in the USA, but the price is SO high!!

DixieVote: Thumbs down!

Would prefer pewter to silver -- the price point is too high.

AmyVote: Thumbs down!

$68? Seriously? For a cotton string and chunk of metal with a design even I could draw? This type of pricing is why I have NEVER bought anything from Uncommon Goods even though I would love to have a few.

KarenVote: Thumbs down!

The price is at least 2x higher than it should be... If it was priced reasonably, I'd probably buy several for friends and family.

JaimeVote: Thumbs up!

a bit expensive though

KateVote: Thumbs down!

I can support the meaning behind it, and it's great that it's USA made...but unless a good portion of the profit was going to help out the *actual* homeless population in the US, I just couldn't spend $68 on this.

michaelVote: Thumbs up!

My Father road the trains for a while back in the 30's and had a lot of great stories! Isn't telling the story behind it part of its charm? Still...a little pricey.

JennaVote: Thumbs down!

I just prefer yellow gold. These are very pretty though.

BVote: Thumbs down!

Its a hobo necklace... Which completely defeats the purpose of it when a hobo wouldn't even be able to afford it.

HeatherVote: Thumbs down!

Too expensive. And they look like my 11 year old niece did them. 6 years ago.

KipVote: Thumbs down!

Cute but wouldn't buy it at that price.

BiancaVote: Thumbs up!

Cute but definitely is way too expensive.

ShannonVote: Thumbs up!

I love these, especially the cat one...but I WOULD NOT pay that price for it.

LeaVote: Thumbs down!

I like the symbols but $68 is just too much.

L.A.Vote: Thumbs up!

Really, really love the historical context. I agree with almost everyone else that the price point will make them less attractive to customers. Also, commentor Karen's idea of a plaque to affix to a fence or outdoor location is awesome.

Mary AnnVote: Thumbs up!

I agree with others: I really like the pendants and would love one, but I do think the price is very high for them:(

Maria

Love the concept...price seems really high....have sisters I would buy this for..but not at this price

JaimeVote: Thumbs down!

Would have to stop and explain the symbol to everyone, and explain the high price to my husband!

MichelleVote: Thumbs up!

I think they are super cute and I love them. However, I wouldn't spend that much on one.

ElisabethVote: Thumbs down!

If the price were in the 40s it might sell better.

ChristinaVote: Thumbs down!

A beautiful story with a price that belies it.

jenniferVote: Thumbs down!

cute but way too expensive.

KatrinaVote: Thumbs down!

The cord matches the style of the pendants, and I understand these are sterling silver, but it seems kind of expensive.

SandiVote: Thumbs up!

Love them, have known about the symbols. But WAY too expensive. Think there would be more interest and buyers and even multiple from some if price were less.

NikiVote: Thumbs up!

I love the messages, but the price is a concern.

maryVote: Thumbs up!

I love them, but they're too pricey even if they are sterling silver. I admit like the other poster my first thought was "all four for $68 sounds good." Make a less expensive version for $20 each and I'll buy them all 4, but at over $250 for all 4 nope can't do it. But I love them anyway.

JulieVote: Thumbs down!

price is a bit high

DanaVote: Thumbs up!

Love this and would love to buy one (or two or three), but seriously silver is not that high. At .25 (pure silver is about 35.00 per oz, way over priced. So when I see this in a future magazine, I will fold down the page, and occasionally visit it (as I do with the over priced shoes I cannot afford in the store window)

love these pendants, but $68 is more than I would pay. Times are tough and $50 is our budget for gifting close relatives and friends on an occassion like a birthday.

DawnVote: Thumbs down!

They are cute. Could wear with jeans and tee - but cost is too high, even if they are handmade.

KatieVote: Thumbs down!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this idea, but I don't think that I would pay more than $20 (without shipping) for a simple little charm like this. Other than that, it's a great idea!

DanielleVote: Thumbs down!

LOVE the charms but not the PRICE. Way, way too high.

AriVote: Thumbs up!

I love them but wish they were $30-40.

janiceVote: Thumbs down!

don't connect with the symbols

Dorothy J.Vote: Thumbs up!

Love the idea, have a plaque on the wall with the "Kind Harted Woman" that I gave my mom years ago. I think they are overpriced.

Jennifer

the price is too high for something soo simple

Renee

I love the necklaces but they are too expensive.

PenelopeVote: Thumbs up!

I especially like the cat sign (good woman). bu price is too high. Hiow about $30-35?

KorieVote: Thumbs down!

Waaaaaay too much money.

emmaVote: Thumbs up!

Absolutely would buy them!... IF the price was at least $30 lower

ValerieVote: Thumbs up!

I like them, but I think the name could be a turn-off to people.

SusanVote: Thumbs down!

Cute, way too expensive. Would condider if way less.

life2great

They are cute enough but way overpriced.

BellaVote: Thumbs down!

Love the concept, hate the price.

EmilyVote: Thumbs down!

I love the idea of these: the story behind them and what each symbol means. However $68 for this is way too much for a pendant of that size.

GenevaVote: Thumbs up!

I love the boho chic style and the silver makes it seem very down to earth.

NicolleVote: Thumbs down!

Although it is pretty cool, I probably would not pay $68 for this item.

EmilyVote: Thumbs down!

While they are very nice looking, I feel that it would be inappropriate to sell these items that are appropriating the hobo culture and commodifying it. The traveling hobos were struggling with real poverty and depression, and glorifying that with a $68 necklace seems highly insensitive and inappropriate.

LisaVote: Thumbs down!

I like the idea but it is way too expensive.

KarenVote: Thumbs down!

Love it, but the price is too high.

MaryVote: Thumbs up!

Too expensive!

TamaraVote: Thumbs down!

Way, way too expensive for the small amount of detail. How about making them with stainless steel?

SGriffVote: Thumbs down!

Love these....until I saw the price! Is that for all four? Even if it was that would be way too expensive! Too bad too....I do love them!

kimVote: Thumbs down!

Sorry but $68 for a single "hobo" inspired necklace seems a bit ironic.

ErinVote: Thumbs down!

The cotton cord makes it look cheap.

JessicaVote: Thumbs down!

I love them, but the price is way too high.

CamilleVote: Thumbs down!

Cute but too expensive

sommer

i feel like you can buy these at those kids jewelry shops in the mall.

Out of Stock

Name: Email:

Find the best gift ideas for men, women and kids at UncommonGoods. We carry thousands of cool gifts, from fun jewelry and accessories to creative home décor and kitchen items.